UE head coach Derrick Pumaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQURIER.net
University of the East pulled off an upset against defending champions National University with a 76-71 win Saturday at UAAP Season 78 Men’s Basketball Tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
Bon Bataller was the high-point man for the Red Warriors with 23 points for UE’s 1-1 record.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, dropped to 0-2 in their title retention bid.
UE, despite outscoring NU 28-9 to lead 60-46 at the end of the third, had to fended off the rabid Bulldogs in the fourth quarter to survive with the victory.
The Bulldogs started the fourth on a 15-2 run capped by a triple from the top of the key by Gelo Alolino to pull within 62-61.
RR De Leon’s jumper, however, gave the Red Warriors a sizable 72-64 lead with 1:53 remaining.
Red Warriors head coach Derrick Pumaren said he challenged his team before the second half started after NU closed the second quarter on a 10-0 run for the 37-32 line.
“I challenged them at half-time,” Pumaren said. “I pushed them to show their worth and play to their potential.”
“These are the Red Warriors I know.”
Nico Javelona cut the Red Warrior lead to four, 75-71, with a three-pointer from the top of the key but it was too late a miracle with three seconds left/
Edgar Charcos pitched in 12 points for UE while Paul Varilla added 11.
Alolino the Bulldogs with 23 points while Alfred Aroga had a near double-double of eight points and 16 boards.